Gallery Photo not showing up in search - just a random variation photo - HUGE DROP IN SALES

[far-above-jewels]

So, doing a random search, I have discovered that my listings are showing up in Search with a random photo from my variation photos.

This is a HUGE problem for me as I cover light switchplates and my listing's "main" photo is the actual image that will be put on the plate.  I have app. 25 varieties.  

So, what buyers do is scroll through the drop-down list and choose the plate to be covered.

However, now all they see in search now is a BLANK WHITE PLATE.  

This will NOT WORK FOR ME.  I have called eBay and was given a ticket number and told "tech" would look into it.

What can I do - any suggestions?  I have a pretty penny to list on eBay and need help.  TY

[slippinjimmy]

I skimmed through two pages (480 listings) of your switchplate listings and ALL I saw where images of the front of the switchplates.

I used FireFox and then Chrome, exact same results.

[far-above-jewels]

You only saw blank white plates?

The "gallery" image on ALL my listings is the actual pattern that will be placed on the plate.

In my search, the gallery photo is a random photo from my variation listings - a blank outlet, combo plate, etc.

VERY unacceptable.   I don't know how long it has been going on, but this issue would absolutely tank my sales.

[bill.purvis2012]

They look good to me. Shows the item, not the blank. looks like it got fixed. 

[inhawaii]

How are you only "discovering" this now?

Don't you double-check you listings when you list them?

[far-above-jewels]

Not sure why THAT is your question, but yes. I absolutely do check, double-check, etc.

I do searches on "best match," "highest," etc.

When I check my store listings - okay.

When I check by a certain keyword - okay UNTIL I do a search by "zip."

THAT is when I discovered the issue.

In summary, when I do a "light switchplate" search by "zip," my listings ARE showing up, however, the gallery photos are almost all random photos from my variations, which is not how I listed them and NOT correct.

And, no, it hasn't been corrected yet.  I have tried revising the individual listings by replacing the gallery photo shown with another photo (painstakingly slow and not what I should have to do).

[far-above-jewels]

When I go to my store, it's fine.  

However, when I do a search by best match and zip - blank plates mostly.

[monica-sells]

I don't know if this is applicable, or even if this is what might be happening......

I use variations frequently....I see some of your "decor" items are "plain" plates (i.e. cable/phone jack, etc....)

in the past I would notice my "default gallery photo" NOT showing up in the search listings....one of the variant pictures would be showing....

I just figured it was a glitch of some sort

Then I noticed that the picture showing in the search was actually the last variant I may have looked at in that listing when doing a check or something.....in other words, I closed the browser/page with that variant showing in the picture box......so the next time that listing appeared, that is the 'default' photo that showed

not saying this is what happens, just sharing ...........

[far-above-jewels]

I don't believe that's it.  There are way too many listings affected and I would have had to look at all of them for this to be the reason.  Thank you!

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@far-above-jewels 

I see what you mean, is this it?

 

[far-above-jewels]

Yes, that is part of the problem also.  My photos are being randomly deleted.  If it wasn't just random, I would think it would be an issue with my photos/sizing, etc.  

But, the main issue is that eBay has decided to replace my gallery photo with one of the variation photos (I have 20-25 in each listing), that only shows a blank white plate.  Pretty much may as well not even have a photo.

Customer service told me they would get back to me in 24 hours.....didn't happen.